Some of the prettiest and best-loved beaches in Massachusetts are found on Boston’s North Shore. We’re taking a tour of four beaches for North Shore homebuyers to put on their list of places to explore as they look for homes.
We’re listing these North Shore beaches in order from closest to farthest from Boston.
Revere Beach, Revere
With a history that goes back to 1896, Revere Beach holds a special place in the hearts of many Massachusetts residents.
The first public beach established in the country, Revere Beach stretches for more than three miles of panoramic views along Boston Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.
While its storied history includes roller coasters, rides of all kinds, ballroom, and restaurants, Revere Beach today is known for long beach days, sand sculpting competitions, and visits to Kelly’s Roast Beef.
You can get to Revere Beach on the MBTA Blue Line via the Revere Beach or Wonderland stations.
If you’re driving, get there early in the day during the summer. Revere Beach Boulevard and Ocean Avenue have free four-hour parking, and there is also paid parking lots on Ocean Boulevard.
Singing Beach, Manchester-by-the-Sea
This pretty, half-mile crescent beach attracts visitors to the charming town of Manchester-by-the-Sea.
Singing Beach is wonderful for swimming, wading, and walking, especially for families with young children.
The 1920s-era bathhouse has changing rooms and showers, plus a snack bar. The 120 spaces in the parking lot can fill up fast during the summer. Nonresident parking is allowed in designated spaces only.
Singing Beach is close enough to walk to from Beach Street after you park somewhere in the town. A favorite stop along the way is Captain Dusty’s Ice Cream located at 60 Beach Street.
Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester
With white sand, generally calm waters, and an Insta-worthy view, Good Harbor Beach is a lovely place for a beach day.
At low tide you can walk out all the way to Salt Island. Beach facilities include a concession stand and showers.
Gloucester residents with resident beach stickers can park for free at Good Harbor Beach. Nonresidents should arrive early or after 5 PM. You can also make nonresident parking reservations online.
Good Harbor Beach is a “carry in-carry out beach,” so all trash must be carried out with you when you leave.
Crane Beach, Ipswich
One of the most spectacular beaches in Massachusetts, Crane Beach is part of a 1,200+ acre conservation area that also features maritime forests and miles of dunes trails for walking and hiking.
Crane Beach and the adjacent Castle Hill on the Crane Estate are owned and maintained by the Trustees of Reservations.
The four-mile-long beach creates a summer playground for swimming, wading, walking, and sunning.
Ipswich residents may park at Crane Beach when they purchase a yearly beach sticker. Nonresidents may walk or bike in with no charge. Parking fees for nonresidents range from $40 for weekdays to $45 on weekends and holidays. You can also opt to purchase a Crane Beach Permit that allows vehicle parking year-round.
Crane Beach Boardwalk by MOTT/Holly Perry is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 via Creative Commons
